PhD in Cybersecurity: Programs, Requirements, and Career Outcomes

In this guide

• Who should get a PhD degree?
• Admission requirements
• 2026 rankings
• How long does PhD take?
• PhD degree cost
• PhD outcomes and salaries
• PhD preparation
• What to expect in a PhD program
• PhD program FAQs
• School listings

A PhD in cybersecurity is the credential behind CISOs, senior government advisors, and emerging AI security researchers — and in 2026, it’s increasingly pursued by mid-career professionals, not just academics.

Doctoral graduates in this field average $172,000 annually, and the roles that typically require a doctorate — CISO, principal researcher, tenured faculty — are among the highest-compensated positions in tech.

The degree takes 4–5 years and costs between $49,968 and $150,280, depending on the program — but many PhD students are fully funded. This guide is built from Cybersecurity Guide’s original analysis of 12 accredited programs and covers program options, admission requirements, costs, funding, and what careers the degree actually unlocks.

Who Should Get a PhD in Cybersecurity?

A PhD in cybersecurity is the right move for professionals targeting research leadership, senior government roles, executive security positions, or academic careers — not for those who want to advance as practitioners. The credential unlocks a specific tier of roles where the degree is expected, not just preferred.

Doctoral graduates average $172,000 annually — a meaningful premium over master’s-level peers — and the top-tier roles this degree enables (CISO, research director, federal agency leadership) typically require it. For a full picture of career paths available at all degree levels, see our cybersecurity career paths guide.

Career Paths for Cybersecurity PhD Graduates

A doctoral degree opens a distinct tier of cybersecurity roles that master’s graduates rarely access directly. Common career outcomes include:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Average compensation of $312,833; most Fortune 500 and government agency CISO roles prefer or require doctoral-level credentials
• Principal security researcher: Research director roles at companies like Google, Microsoft, MITRE, and the RAND Corporation, typically $140,000–$200,000+
• Federal agency leadership: Senior roles at NSA, CISA, DHS, and DoD, often at GS-15 or Senior Executive Service levels ($150,000–$200,000+), where doctoral credentials and security clearances align
• Tenured faculty: Cybersecurity professor roles at research universities, with average salaries of $114,792 and ranges of $94,500–$179,500
• Think tank and policy analyst: Senior positions at organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations, Brookings, and CSIS, where doctoral credentials signal policy and research credibility
• Senior security consultant: Independent or firm-based consulting to enterprise and government clients, where the doctorate commands premium billing rates

PhD vs. Master’s: What Does the Doctorate Actually Add?

A master’s in cybersecurity is a practitioner credential — it builds applied technical depth and opens mid-senior individual contributor roles. A PhD is a research and leadership credential.

The distinction matters most for three career paths: academic roles (which almost universally require a doctorate), federal government senior leadership (where doctoral credentials align with clearance levels and policy authority), and executive roles like CISO (where the degree signals research depth and strategic credibility). If your target roles don’t fall into one of these three categories, a master’s is likely the better return on time and money.

Salary premium in context: the BLS median for information security analysts is $124,910 (May 2024). Doctoral holders in cybersecurity average $172,000 — a gap of roughly $47,000 annually, against an additional 3–4 years of program time and six-figure tuition (before funding). The financial case depends almost entirely on the specific roles you’re targeting.

PhD, DSc, and DPS: Understanding the Doctoral Degree Types

Not all cybersecurity doctorates are the same. Three distinct degree types exist, and choosing the wrong one for your goals can cost years:

• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Theory-driven and research-oriented. The standard credential for academic faculty positions and basic research roles. Requires an original dissertation contributing new knowledge to the field. Most commonly awarded at traditional research universities.
• DSc (Doctor of Science): Emphasizes technical research expertise over philosophical theory. More common in applied research contexts. Some programs offer it as an alternative to the PhD for candidates with significant prior research output.
• DPS (Doctor of Professional Studies): Designed for senior practitioners who want to formalize extensive field experience at the doctoral level. Focuses on applied, hands-on expertise rather than original research. Better suited to experienced cybersecurity executives than to early-career researchers.

Best Cybersecurity PhD Programs for 2026

1. Marymount University

   Arlington, Virginia

   
   Program: D.Sc. in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $49,968
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,388
   Credits: 36
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

2. Northeastern University

   Boston, Massachusetts

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-R
   Tuition: $90,000
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,875
   Credits: 48
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

3. Augusta University

   Augusta, Georgia

   
   Program: PhD in Computer and Cyber Sciences
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
   Tuition: $60,336
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $236 in-state | $838 out-of-state
   Credits: 72
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

4. New Jersey City University

   Jersey City, New Jersey

   
   Program: Doctor of Science in Civil Security - Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $62,075
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,293
   Credits: 48
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

5. Nova Southeastern University

   Fort Lauderdale, Florida

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $73,542
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,442
   Credits: 51
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

6. University of Tulsa

   Tulsa, Oklahoma

   
   Program: Cyber Studies, Ph.D.
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Tuition: $111,456
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,548
   Credits: 72
   GRE: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

   Colorado Springs, Colorado

   
   Program: Cybersecurity, PhD
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Tuition: $125,100
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,414 in-state | $2,085 out-of-state
   Credits: 60
   GRE: Required
   Learn more: Program details

8. University of Central Florida

   Orlando, Florida

   
   Program: Security Studies (PhD)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Tuition: $71,456
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $370 in-state | $1,276 out-of-state
   Credits: 56
   GRE: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

9. Sam Houston State University

   Huntsville, Texas

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $84,867
   Delivery Method: Campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $741.85 in-state | $1,146.85 out-of-state
   Credits: 74
   GRE: Required
   Learn more: Program details

10. University of Idaho

    Moscow, Idaho

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Ph.D.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $131,586
    Delivery Method: Campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $618 in-state | $1,687 out-of-state
    Credits: 78
    GRE: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

These rankings were compiled from data accessed in January 2026 from the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services of the National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of January 2026.

2025 Rankings

2024 Rankings

PhD in Cybersecurity Admission Requirements

Most cybersecurity PhD programs require a master’s degree in a relevant field (computer science, information security, or engineering), a minimum GPA around 3.5, and demonstrated research experience or professional accomplishment. The application is competitive — programs admit small cohorts, and research fit with faculty advisors matters as much as academic credentials.

Academic Prerequisites

A master’s degree is the standard entry point for doctoral programs. Some programs will admit exceptional bachelor’s applicants directly into a combined BS/PhD or accelerated track, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Competitive GPA benchmarks:

• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (most programs); competitive applicants typically present 3.5 or higher
• Strong performance in quantitative coursework: two semesters of calculus, discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability are common prerequisites
• Prior graduate coursework or research experience in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems signals readiness for doctoral-level work

GRE and Test Requirements

GRE requirements vary significantly across programs and have changed rapidly. Many doctoral programs — particularly online and professional doctorate tracks — have moved away from GRE requirements as of 2025–2026, placing more weight on research experience, professional accomplishments, and academic GPA.

Confirm current requirements directly with each program before applying — do not assume GRE is required or waived based on older guidance.

Experience and Application Materials

Doctoral admissions weigh research potential heavily. The application checklist below is standard, but the statement of intent and letters of reference are the materials that most differentiate competitive candidates:

• Transcripts: All undergraduate and graduate transcripts required
• Statement of intent: Not a cover letter — a specific articulation of your research interests, the faculty members you want to work with, and why your background prepares you for doctoral-level research in that area. Vague statements are a leading reason for rejection at top programs.
• Letters of reference: Three letters, ideally from faculty who can speak to your research capacity — not just professional supervisors. Academic references who have observed your analytical work carry significantly more weight.
• CV or resume: Emphasize research outputs — publications, conference presentations, thesis work, open-source contributions, or security competition results
• Research portfolio: A single published paper, master’s thesis, or significant technical project can meaningfully differentiate an application. Programs are admitting a research collaborator, not just a student.
• Application fee + online application

For professional doctorate (DPS) programs targeting senior practitioners, programs may also expect 10–15 years of field experience as a substitute for academic research credentials. Check individual program requirements carefully.

How Long Does a PhD in Cybersecurity Take?

A full-time cybersecurity PhD typically takes 4–5 years from enrollment to degree conferral. Part-time and online programs, designed for working professionals, typically run 6–8 years.

The average credit requirement is 71 credits — nearly double the 36 credits required for a master’s degree — not counting research and teaching responsibilities that run concurrently with coursework.

Program Phases and Timeline

The doctoral program unfolds in four distinct phases, each with its own milestone:

1. Coursework phase (years 1–2): Core seminars, research methods, statistics, and cybersecurity theory. Typically 30–45 credits. Students also begin identifying dissertation topics and potential faculty advisors.
2. Qualifying exam (end of year 2): A comprehensive written and/or oral exam testing mastery of the field’s core knowledge areas. Passing is required to advance to doctoral candidacy. Some programs combine this with a written research proposal.
3. Preliminary exam/dissertation proposal (year 3): The candidate presents a formal research proposal to their dissertation committee and receives approval to begin original research. This marks the transition from coursework to research.
4. Dissertation research and final defense (years 3–5): Original research conducted under faculty advisors, culminating in a written dissertation and public oral defense. The committee must approve the dissertation before the degree is conferred.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Options

Many programs — particularly online and hybrid formats — allow working professionals to pursue the PhD part-time, extending the timeline to 6–8 years with a study commitment of approximately 15–20 hours per week.

Part-time programs are structurally sound for practitioners who cannot step away from careers but want to earn doctoral credentials over a longer horizon. For programs specifically designed for online or part-time enrollment, see our guide to online cybersecurity PhD programs.

How Much Does a Cybersecurity PhD Cost?

A cybersecurity PhD costs between $49,968 and $150,280 in total tuition — but many students pay significantly less, or nothing at all, through funding programs. The figures below are based on out-of-state tuition rates from 12 accredited programs analyzed by Cybersecurity Guide.

Tuition Breakdown

• Most affordable program: $49,968 at Marymount University (out-of-state)
• Average across 12 programs: $88,396 (out-of-state)
• Most expensive: $150,280 at New Mexico Tech (out-of-state)
• Average credit hours: 71 credits (ranging from 60–75 hours depending on the program)

In-state tuition for public universities will be substantially lower than the out-of-state figures above. For a comparison of the most cost-effective doctoral options, see our most affordable cybersecurity PhD programs guide.

Cybersecurity Guide analyzed tuition changes between the 2024–25 and 2025–26 academic years. On average, tuition increased by 16.22%, with the largest single-year increase reaching 118.81%. While in-state tuition remained mostly stable, out-of-state tuition showed more significant year-over-year variation.

How PhD Programs Are Funded

The most important thing most doctoral guides omit: many cybersecurity PhD programs are fully funded. Full funding typically means a tuition waiver plus a living stipend in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities within the department.

Students who secure funding pay effectively nothing in tuition and receive an annual living stipend — typically $18,000–$30,000 depending on the institution and the cost of living.

Primary funding mechanisms:

• Teaching assistantships (TA): Students teach or assist in undergraduate courses in exchange for a tuition waiver and stipend. Common at research universities with large undergraduate programs.
• Research assistantships (RA): Students work on a faculty member’s funded research project in exchange for tuition and stipend support. Availability depends on whether the faculty advisor has active grant funding.
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): The NSF GRFP provides three years of support including a $37,000 annual stipend and $16,000 cost-of-education allowance to outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, including cybersecurity.

CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS): Administered by the National Science Foundation in partnership with DHS, CyberCorps provides PhD students with a $37,000 annual stipend plus tuition and a $6,000 professional development allowance (for conference attendance and related costs) for up to three years.

In exchange, graduates commit to working in a federal government cybersecurity role for a period equal to the length of scholarship support. Awards are available at CAE-designated institutions — verify current award amounts directly before applying.

For a full overview of cybersecurity scholarships at all degree levels, see our cybersecurity scholarships and funding options guide.

Cybersecurity PhD Career Outcomes and Salary

Cybersecurity doctoral graduates earn an average of $172,000 annually — substantially above the BLS median of $124,910 for information security analysts (May 2024). The premium reflects the degree’s alignment with research leadership, executive, and faculty roles that sit above the practitioner track.

Salary by Role

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Average $312,833; typically requires or strongly prefers a doctoral credential plus 15+ years of experience
• Research director / principal researcher: $140,000–$200,000+ at corporate, government, and think tank research organizations
• Federal government GS-15 / SES positions: $150,000–$200,000+ at NSA, CISA, DoD, and intelligence agencies; doctoral credentials and security clearances frequently required
• Cybersecurity faculty (tenured): Average $114,792, ranging from $94,500 at smaller institutions to $179,500 at top research universities
• Information security analyst (doctoral level): BLS median $124,910; doctoral holders in this role category typically earn $140,000–$180,000+ with specialization

Industries and Sectors That Hire PhD Graduates

The doctoral credential is valued across sectors where cybersecurity intersects with high stakes — regulated data, national security, and complex system defense:

• Defense and intelligence: DoD, NSA, CISA, CIA, and defense contractors (Booz Allen Hamilton, MITRE, Leidos) employ doctoral researchers for advanced threat analysis and cryptographic research
• Technology companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta employ doctoral researchers in security teams where research output and publication records matter
• Academia: Tenure-track faculty roles at R1 universities and liberal arts colleges; the doctorate is required for all tenure-track positions
• Finance and critical infrastructure: Senior security executive and research roles at banks, payment networks, utilities, and healthcare organizations
• Policy and think tanks: Nonprofit research organizations, government advisory bodies, and international institutions evaluating cybersecurity policy at a systemic level

For more on cybersecurity career paths at all levels, see our cybersecurity career paths guide.

Preparing for a Cybersecurity PhD Program

PhD programs are selecting research collaborators, not just students. The strongest applications combine academic credentials with evidence of research capacity — and that evidence takes time to build. Start early.

Build a Research Profile Before You Apply

Research experience is the single most differentiating factor in doctoral admissions, and it’s the area most prospective students underestimate. Concrete steps that meaningfully strengthen a PhD application:

• Co-author a paper with a current faculty member, even as a junior contributor — a published or conference-accepted paper sets an application apart from the majority of candidates
• Contribute to open-source security research projects on GitHub — version-controlled, publicly visible technical work demonstrates initiative and capability
• Present at student or regional academic conferences — even a poster presentation signals familiarity with academic research culture
• Complete and document a significant master’s thesis or capstone project — programs will read this; it is your primary writing sample for research purposes

Professional Organizations and Networks

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit dedicated to training cybersecurity professionals and fostering collaboration. CIS publishes newsletters, threat analysis, and maintains active working groups where doctoral students can engage with practitioners and researchers.

The SANS Institute offers certification programs, professional education, and ongoing forums for cybersecurity professionals. SANS research publications and community involvement are recognized by PhD admissions committees as indicators of serious professional engagement.

LinkedIn and academic platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar are worth establishing early — building a visible professional and academic profile before applying demonstrates genuine engagement with the field. Follow faculty at programs you’re targeting; read their recent work and cite it intelligently in your statement of intent.

Cybersecurity Competitions and Hands-On Experience

The US Cyber Challenge — a series of competitions and hackathon-style events hosted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Center for Internet Security — is one of the most credible competition pathways for doctoral candidates. The National Cyber League and CSAW (Cyber Security Awareness Worldwide) competitions are also recognized at the graduate level. Competition results demonstrate applied problem-solving capacity and create professional connections with faculty and industry professionals who serve as judges and mentors.

Internships and Research Fellowships

Research internships — not just professional internships — are particularly valuable for doctoral candidates. NSA, CISA, MITRE, and DoD research labs offer summer research programs for graduate students that provide both research experience and institutional relationships that benefit later job searches. If a summer research program is available at a program you’re targeting, apply for it before or during the application cycle — it signals interest and creates a direct relationship with faculty.

What to Expect Inside a Cybersecurity PhD Program

Core Curriculum

Core curriculum varies significantly by program and institution, but most cybersecurity doctoral programs share a foundation of:

• Security theory and foundations: Threat modeling, cryptographic theory, formal verification, and the mathematical underpinnings of security protocols
• Network and systems security: Advanced network defense, intrusion detection, secure operating systems, and hardware security
• Cybersecurity policy and law: Legal frameworks, international cyber law, regulatory compliance, and the policy structures governing state and non-state cyber operations
• Research methods and statistics: Quantitative and qualitative research design, statistical analysis, and technical writing — the methodological core of doctoral work
• Specialized seminars: Courses in digital forensics, cryptography, AI/ML security, industrial control system security, or cybersecurity management — varying by program focus and faculty expertise

CAE-designated programs follow NSA/DHS curriculum standards, which provide a baseline guarantee of coverage across core security domains. For more on CAE designation and how to identify designated programs, see our CAE resource page.

Qualifying and Preliminary Exams

All PhD candidates sit for a series of exams that serve as formal checkpoints:

• Qualifying exam: Typically taken in the winter or spring of the second year. A comprehensive written and/or oral examination covering the program’s core knowledge areas. Passing advances the student to doctoral candidacy — a critical transition.
• Preliminary exam: Taken after the qualifying exam and before formal dissertation work begins. The candidate presents a research proposal to their committee, demonstrating readiness to undertake original doctoral research. Committee approval is required to proceed.
• Final defense: The doctoral candidate presents and defends completed dissertation research before the committee and the public. A successful defense is the final academic requirement for the degree.

The Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone of the doctoral program — a formal paper presenting original research findings conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor committee. The research must make a genuine contribution to the field’s knowledge base, not merely review existing work.

Example cybersecurity dissertation research areas include:

• Policies and best practices around password security and credential management
• Defending against the rise of automated bots and adversarial AI in attack campaigns
• Encryption policy, end-to-end encryption, and the law enforcement access debate
• Corporate liability and legal responsibility for employee and customer data security
• Internet advertising, behavioral tracking, and privacy rights
• Social engineering attack vectors and defense — the new frontier of human-layer exploitation
• Operational security (OpSec) strategy and policy for government and enterprise
• Critical infrastructure and industrial control system (ICS) defense
• Cybersecurity law, enforcement mechanisms, and international attribution
• The vulnerabilities of biometric authentication systems
• The ethical, legal, and operational boundaries of ethical hacking
• Digital forensics standards, chain of custody, and admissibility in criminal proceedings

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Cybersecurity PhD Programs

A cybersecurity PhD is a 4–5 year, six-figure investment that pays back through access to roles — CISO, principal researcher, tenured faculty, federal senior leadership — that are largely unavailable without the credential. Doctoral graduates average $172,000 annually.

The tuition range from our analysis is $49,968 to $150,280, and many programs offer full funding. Your target career path should drive the decision: if those roles require a doctorate, the case is strong. If they don’t, a master’s will serve you better.

If you’ve decided a doctorate is the right path, the next step is finding a program that matches your research interests, schedule, and budget. Browse the full list of accredited cybersecurity PhD programs below. To compare cost-effective options specifically, see our most affordable cybersecurity PhD programs guide.

1. Augusta University

   Augusta, Georgia

   
   Program: PhD in Computer and Cyber Sciences
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $60,336
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $236 in-state | $838 out-of-state
   Credits: 72
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

2. Marymount University

   Arlington, Virginia

   
   Program: D.Sc. in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $49,968
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,388
   Credits: 36
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

3. New Jersey City University

   Jersey City, New Jersey

   
   Program: Doctor of Science in Civil Security - Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $62,075
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,293
   Credits: 48
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

4. New Mexico Tech

   Socorro, New Mexico

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Cybersecurity
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $150,280
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $757 in-state | $2,210 out-of-state
   Credits: 68
   GRE: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

5. Northeastern University

   Boston, Massachusetts

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-R
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $90,000
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,875
   Credits: 48
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

6. Nova Southeastern University

   Fort Lauderdale, Florida

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $73,542
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,442
   Credits: 51
   GRE: Not Required
   Learn more: Program details

7. Sam Houston State University

   Huntsville, Texas

   
   Program: Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $84,867
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $741.85 in-state | $1,146.85 out-of-state
   Credits: 74
   GRE: Required
   Learn more: Program details

8. St. Thomas University

   Miami Gardens, Florida

   
   Program: Doctor of Business Administration in Cyber Security Management
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $63,300
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,055
   Credits: 60
   GRE: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

9. University of Central Florida

   Orlando, Florida

   
   Program: Security Studies (PhD)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Delivery method: Campus
   Total tuition: $71,456
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $370 in-state | $1,276 out-of-state
   Credits: 56
   GRE: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

10. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs, Colorado

    
    Program: Cybersecurity, PhD
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $125,100
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,414 in-state | $2,085 out-of-state
    Credits: 60
    GRE: Required
    Learn more: Program details

11. University of Idaho

    Moscow, Idaho

    
    Program: Cybersecurity Ph.D.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Campus
    Total tuition: $131,586
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $618 in-state | $1,687 out-of-state
    Credits: 78
    GRE: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

12. University of Tulsa

    Tulsa, Oklahoma

    
    Program: Cyber Studies, Ph.D.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $111,456
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $1,548
    Credits: 72
    GRE: Not required
    Learn more: Program details